Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez is a steam-roller, and can?t be stopped. His World Boxing Organization featherweight title bout with Rafael Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this Saturday will be close early, but Lopez?s hammer will eventually wear down and prove too much for the Mexican. In 29 professional fights, Lopez is unblemished, with 26 knockouts, and the streak will continue, despite the fact that Marquez is a difficult and tough foe, having lost only four times, with 35 knockouts in 43 fights. Of course, anything can happen once a fighter steps into the ring, but right now everything seems to be pointing to a Lopez victory, perhaps in the eighth or ninth round. Every once in a generation, there comes a fighter with such immense talent, nerves of steel, and an unbreakable heart. Time will tell, but Lopez seems to be on that track.
Chip ? Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. Need I say more? This fight to me is about defense. We know both guys can crack. However, Lopez has been very wild recently, especially when he has a guy hurt. If he does that with Marquez, he will get knocked out. Lopez needs to put pride aside and not get caught up in any Puerto Rico vs Mexico. Lopez must jab, volume box, and work the body just as badly as he wants to throw headshots. He must take his time and keep his guard tight and not get wild. If he does that, we will have an exciting fight early on, but he can win this one going away. If he brawls too often, it?ll be Marquez vs. Gamboa. I say he?ll be smart enough to win a clear decision or a late win on cuts.
Albert Alvarez ? JuanMa Lopez vs. Rafael Marquez- This fight will be a slugfest from round 1 till however long it may last.I feel that Lopez will find a way to end things by landing a devastating left hook in round 9. Marquez who can put together punches with a quickness, will not be able to land enough right hands to derail the younger fighter. Manny Pacquiao vs. Antonio Margarito- This clash will be a lot of fun for all fight fans. We all know that Tony is at his best when he is approaching his target while throwing 80-100 punches a round. We also know that Manny is at his best when he peppers you with blazing fast combinations while darting in and out . In this fight Tony should think quantity over quality. Stepping towards the target is key,chasing your target around while throwing a ton of shots will only expose you to too many openings. Manny will walk right into an open door and win it 8 rounds to 4. Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Michael Katsidis- Katsidis is a born fighter that kills you by wearing you down with vollume punching.Juan will use that against him and win 7 rounds to 5 in a very close fought fight. Combination punching wins it for Magnifico Marquez.
Pietro Baio ? Lopez is two fights removed from a career defining fight versus Roger Mtagwa. Rafa just is coming off of his fourth war with Israel Vazquez. I see this being a close fight and Lopez winning by UD.
Carl Hewitt ? Despite the four wars with compatriot, Israel Vasquez, Marquez still has a puncher?s chance against Lopez. He won?t match the Puerto Rican?s speed, but more than outpaces him in the heart and endurance catagories. If Lopez gets sloppy, he could get tagged, and as we saw late in his near-fatal 122 lb. title defense against Rogers Mtagwa, his chin is not the greatest. If Marquez can make it past Round 9, he has a decent chance, but a lot of things would have to fall into place for that to happen ? like his fragile skin, for instance! Lopez by TKO in Round 7.
Rota Em ? Lopez will be tested, and he will wilt. Rafael isn?t much younger than Juan Manuel, but his latest fights show what he can do. After the barrage of outings opposite Vazquez, topped with a 3rd round stoppage, his skill and power will shine through once again. Lopez, Puerto Rico?s latest hero, has shown that he can be hurt. This time, he?s facing someone that knows how to ?finish?. Marquez TKO stoppage late rounds.
